Former UFC welterweight and middleweight champion Georges St-Pierre declared to end his career after the negotiations to fight against lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov had stumbled.
“I do not really know what I want in life, but I know what I do not want to do and it is to withdraw too late.” St-Pierre said.
“It’s been several weeks since my agents tried to organize a fight against the champ Khabib, because for an athlete in combat sports, where I’m in my career, the most scary thing to do, but who is also the more exciting is to fight against an opponent who seems invincible in the eyes of the world.
“Khabib is an athlete. In my opinion, he is the best fighter on the planet right now, pound for pound. It would have been an honor for me to get into the cage with him. However, the UFC has other plans for him and I respect that, it’s a business.” St-Pierre added.
UFC President Dana White expressed interest in a rematch between Nurmagomedov and McGregor this year, while reports surfaced of the current UFC champ in negotiations for a boxing match in Canada.
Khabib Nurmagomedov calls out Georges St-Pierre. (Source:www.dailyexpress.co.uk)
GSP won his first welterweight title at UFC 65 in 2006 and defended it once before a shocking upset loss to Matt Serra. He recaptured it less than one year later by avenging his loss and went on to defend the belt nine times, a divisional record.
“I wanted to fight for maybe one fight at a time and see after each fight if it tempts me to continue, but the UFC is a business.” St-Pierre said.
“They must have a guarantee that the opponent they are promoting will continue. I understand that, I don’t blame them, it’s a good ending for me for good.” he added.
After learning that GSP was about to announce his retirement, Nurmagomedov handed a pole to St-Pierre via Instagram.
“Let’s do it in November. After this fight, you will be able to retire. I grew up watching your fights, and I have only respect for you, and I think I proved it to you when you went to Moscow. It would be an honor to share the octagon with you, one of the greatest fighters in history.” Khabib wrote.
“Let’s do it at 155 pounds, or I’ll win five pounds for you. It’s your choice, at 155 or 160 pounds, in Montreal, New York, Moscow or Dubai. Send me the coordinates, my friend.” the Russian added.
